May 2012 - Hammer Home News
As our world is becoming paperless, use trees to build our homes
What a long weekend!!! I am sure many of you enjoyed working outdoors around the house. I have decided to focus this month’s issue on with what I believe are the most important spring maintenance items to review to keep your house in the best condition. The Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation offers a list below that helps keep track of the important components of our homes to review, maintain and replace during this time of year. Take a look and see if there is anything you missed completing during the long weekend. Have a great May!
Spring Checklist
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After consulting your hot water tank owner’s manual, carefully test the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it is not stuck. Caution: This test may release hot water that can cause burns. |
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Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation system, such as heat recovery ventilator, filters should be checked every two months. |
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Have fireplace or wood stove and chimney cleaned and serviced as needed. |
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Shut down, drain and clean furnace humidifier, and close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning. |
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Switch on power to air conditioning and check system. Have it serviced every two or three years. |
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Clean or replace air-conditioning filter, if applicable. |
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Check dehumidifier and drain — clean if necessary. |
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Turn OFF gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible. |
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Have well water tested for quality. It is recommended that you test for bacteria every six months. |
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Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms, and replace batteries. |
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Clean windows, screens and hardware, and replace storm windows with screens. Check screens first and repair or replace if needed. |
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Open valve to outside hose connection after all danger of frost has passed. |
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Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as required. |
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Ensure sump pump is operating properly before the spring thaw sets in. Ensure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation. |
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Re-level any exterior steps or decks that moved as a result of frost or settling. |
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Check for and seal off any holes in exterior cladding that could be an entry point for small pests, such as bats and squirrels. |
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Check eavestroughs and downspouts for loose joints and secure attachment to your home, clear any obstructions, and ensure water flows away from your foundation. |
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Clear all drainage ditches and culverts of debris. |
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Repair and paint fences as necessary — allow wood fences to dry adequately before tackling this task. |
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Undertake spring landscape maintenance and, if necessary, fertilize young trees. |
Enjoy the sunny weather and hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
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OECD hawkish on Bank of Canada rate hikes
Reporting By Louise Egan; Editing by Peter Galloway, © Thomson Reuters 2012 All rights reserved.
OTTAWA (Reuters) - The Bank of Canada should resume raising interest rates this autumn to help cool the country's hot housing market and allow the bank to reach its inflation target, the Paris-based OECD said on Tuesday in a report more hawkish than most market players.
"It is assumed here that the first policy rate increase will be implemented in autumn 2012, which is a few months ahead ...
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This Month's Trivia Question:
What is the origin of the word "Real Estate" come from?
The first five individuals to respond correctly will win a $10.00 gift card to Starbucks. Email your answers to rachel@rachelhammer.com
Last Month's Trivia Question:
What was the name of the real estate company that Marge Simpson worked for in Season 9 of The Simpsons?
The Answer was: Marge worked for Red Blazer Realty. At Red Blazer Realty "Realty Bites".
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Congratulations goes out to Lori, Laurie, Mark, Melanie and Jennifer for winning last month's trivia prizes. |
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SOLD!
411 Grey Seal Circle
Meticulously maintained three bedroom two bathroom townhouse in sought after Riverside South.
Enjoy this Urbandale San Diego model, complete with ceramic tiled foyer, bathrooms and fully finished basement.
The backyard offers a large sized deck great for entertaining and fully fenced area for your personal enjoyment.
READ MORE...
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Open House...
794 Nakina Way
Popular richcraft end unit bancroft model in desirable riverside south area.
This attractive 3 bedrooms and loft 'tall town' has it all! dark hardwood throughout main floor, stunning upgrades in open concept kitchen with extended breakfast bar, custom california shutters and glass cabinetry.
Open House on May 27th from 2pm to 4pm.
READ MORE...
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